Women's History Month: Q&A with Lindsay Siolka

In celebration of Women's History Month, Grand Archon Tess Stovall sits down with a series of Phi Sigma Sigma sisters to share their stories, advice and how our sisterhood made a lasting impact in their lives. Read more stories, here.

Lindsay Siolka is an alumna of the Iota Zeta Chapter at the University of Minnesota - Duluth and currently serves as legal counsel to the National Housing Corporation (NHC). Professionally, Lindsay is a Chief Public Defender.

When I first met Lindsay, she was serving on the International Standards Board and I was initially intimidated by her confidence and knowledge. We were paired together to have a heart-to-heart conversation with the Kappa Chapter who was navigating some challenges and I was wowed at how calm, cool and collected Lindsay was in a stressful and emotional environment. She has the uncanny ability to step into any space and be exactly what you need. Over the years, I've seen Lindsay grow as a volunteer and a leader within our sisterhood, rising into board service and this year taking on her newest role as legal counsel for the NHC.

Tess Stovall: How has Phi Sigma Sigma positively impacted your life?

Lindsay Siolka: Phi Sigma Sigma continues to provide connection, friendship and belonging in my life. Phi Sig has always been there as a compass for doing the right thing by remembering our values of faith, friendship, love, sincerity, integrity, and strength.

Being a member of Phi Sigma Sigma created a strong foundation as I’ve grown as a woman over the last 20 years and has been one of my best resources for professional development. Phi Sigma Sigma has also given me wonderful mentors and friends who have been there for me during my best and most challenging life moments.

TS: Tell me about some of those friendships. Who is a Phi Sigma Sigma sister who has had a significant influence on your life and why?

LS: When I was archon of the Iota Zeta Chapter at the University of Minnesota - Duluth, I met a new member by the name of Shannon McCabe. She took a chance on Phi Sigma Sigma, and we took a chance on her.

Shannon has become a life-long friend, is a dedicated volunteer, and models what it means to be a woman of substance, character and influence. Shannon has also shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity. Despite this, she always makes time to volunteer, has made lifelong friendships across our organization, and continues find new ways to give back to Phi Sigma Sigma.

Her resilience and dedication continue to inspire me, and I think of her every time I take a chance on a promising new hire at work. She reminds me that our future is built by supporting and developing the young women who come after us.

TS: And both of you have remained very involved over the years, serving Phi Sigma Sigma in various volunteer roles! On that note, how has Phi Sigma Sigma remained a part of your life after graduation?

LS: I took a break from Phi Sigma Sigma after I graduated from college and focused on law school. After graduating and starting my first job as a young lawyer, I reconnected with Phi Sigma Sigma as a volunteer representative with our former International Standards Board. It created an opportunity for me to re-engage with our wonderful organization at a different level.

I continued with International Standards Board serving as legal counsel and eventually chairman. As a volunteer, I’ve created amazing new connections with alumnae from all over the country. My volunteer role within Phi Sigma Sigma has evolved over the years to include serving on a variety of committees, projects and boards. I served as legal counsel for the Nominating Committee for the last two conventions and served on the AIM committee. Every role has provided learning opportunities, networking and friendships with new and seasoned volunteers.

Once you get connected, it’s easy to continue volunteering to give back in a larger capacity. You continue to learn more about the organization, learn more about yourself, and continue to make new friends with volunteers.

TS: Throughout your various volunteer roles, what accomplishment are you most proud of?  

LS: When I was the International Standards Board Chairman, we made the decision to bring that entire committee in-house to Headquarters. It was best to have Headquarters staff, rather than volunteers with full-time jobs, respond quickly to issues on campuses that presented a risk to our collegians and to the Fraternity. It required me to think about the big picture, let go of “the way we’ve always done things,” and find a new volunteer role within the organization. It was the best thing for the organization and opened a new window of volunteer opportunities for me that I otherwise wouldn’t have pursued and have truly enjoyed.

Given that I’ve served as legal counsel on nearly every other committee in my volunteer capacity, the rest of my proudest achievements remain privileged and confidential.

TS: We’re so thankful for all you’ve poured into Phi Sigma Sigma as a volunteer. Do you feel that you’ve also received benefits or enrichment as a volunteer?

LS: As a Chief Public Defender, I often say that one of the best experiences that prepared me for my role as a leader was being a sorority woman. Phi Sigma Sigma prides itself on its professionalism, preparedness, and ability to think outside the box to solve problems. I continue to learn from women in other professions on human resources issues, financial challenges, and organizational operations.

On that note, I encourage everyone to sign up for AIM when it becomes available if you’ve never gone through the program!

I volunteer because I believe in Phi Sigma Sigma and I want to continue giving back to an organization that has given so much to me both personally and professionally.

TS: Volunteering has truly been impactful in your life. What advice would you give to sisters who are looking for a way to reengage with the organization?

LS: There are so many opportunities available! Whether you are interested in being an advisor, serving on an advisory board, or if programming piques your interest, there’s something for everyone. We have a variety of committees and positions and it’s always good to get new ideas and see new faces. Everyone has something to offer regardless of your age, career path, or life situation. We also have a range of time commitments based on your availability whether you want to dip your toe in the volunteer waters or if you want to jump right back in!

Our organization is in a new era, and we would love to have both old and new faces engaged with our wonderful sisterhood at all levels.